Книги жанра HarperCollins Publishers
Название: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2010
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When William Kamkwamba was just 14 years old, his family told him that he must leave school and come home to work on the farm — they could no longer afford his fees. This is his story of how he found a way to make a difference, how he bought light to his family and village, and hope to his nation. Malawi is a country battling AIDS, drought and famine, and in 2002, a season of floods followed by the most severe famine in fifty years brought it to its knees. William Kamkwamba's family were farmers, and relied on their maize crop to feed them for the year and bring in money by selling the surplus. But after many lean years, finally there was no more. By Christmas 2001 they were running out of food — with months before they could harvest their crop again. At 14 years old, William had been forced to leave school as there was no money to pay the fees. Borrowing library books to continue his education, William picked up a book in English about energy, with a picture of a wind turbine on the front cover. Fascinated by science and electricity, William decided to build his own. Ridiculed by those around him, exhausted from his work in the fields every day, slowly he built it with scrap metal, old bicycle parts and wood from the blue gum tree. It has changed the world in which William and his family live. Only 2% of Malawi has electricity; and the windmill now powers lightbulbs and a radio at their compound, and he has built more windmills for his school and village. When news of William's invention spread, people from across the globe offered to help him. Soon he was re-enrolled in school and travelling to America to visit wind farms. This is his story — his attempts to teach other Africans to help themselves, one windmill, one lightbulb, at a time.
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2008
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A delightfully discursive, Bill Bryson-esque and personal journey through the groves and the thickets of the English language, by our foremost scholar of the history and structure of the English language. David Crystal has been described (by the Times Higher Education Supplement) as a sort of 'latter day Dr Johnson', a populist linguist who has promoted the study of the English language in an academic and broadcasting career that has so far spanned 40 years and nearly 100 books. Now he has written an engaging travel book of more general appeal. Inspired by W. G. Sebald's 'The Rings of Saturn' and by Bill Bryson's books, he has combined personal reflections, historical allusions and traveller observations to create a mesmerising (and entertaining) narrative account of his encounters with the English language and its speakers throughout the world — from Bangor to Bombay and from Stratford to San Francisco. 'By Hook or by Crook' is an attempt to capture the exploratory, seductive, teasing, tantalising nature of language study. As such, it will appeal to the ever-growing market who like to be entertained as well as instructed.
Название: Cold Granite
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2006
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It can be grim in Aberdeen. But now it's sheer, bloody murder. Aberdeen, oil capital of Europe! Christmas is coming, cold, dark and wet, bringing death with it. It's DS Logan McRae's first day back on the job after a year off on the sick, and it couldn't get much worse. Four-year-old David Reid's body is discovered in a ditch, strangled, mutilated and a long time dead. There's a killer stalking the Granite City and the local media are baying for blood. If that wasn't enough, Logan also has to contend with a new boss, DI Insch, who doesn't suffer fools gladly and thinks everyone's a fool, and his own ex-girlfriend, the beautiful but chilly Isobel MacAlister, who also happens to be the chief pathologist. The only good news is WPC 'Ball Breaker' Watson, Logan's new guardian angel. The dead are piling up in the morgue almost as fast as the snow on the streets, and Logan knows time is running out. More children are going missing. More are going to die. If Logan isn't careful, he's going to end up joining them.
Название: Deadheads
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2003
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'Reginald Hill stands head and shoulders above any other writer of homebred crime fiction' Tom Hiney, Observer Life is a bed of roses for Patrick Aldermann when Great Aunt Florence collapses into her Madam Louis Laperrieres and he inherits Rosemont House with its splendid gardens. But when his boss, 'Dandy' Dick Elgood, suggests to Peter Pascoe that Aldermann is a murderer — then retracts the accusation — the inspector is left with a thorny problem. By then Police Cadet Singh, Mid-Yorkshire's first Asian copper, had dug up some very interesting information about Patrick's elegant wife Daphne. Superintendent Dalziel, meanwhile, is atttempting to relive the days of Empire with Singh as his tea-wallah.
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2006
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An unusual and authoritative 'natural history of languages' that narrates the ways in which one language has superseded or outlasted another at different times in history. The story of the world in the last five thousand years is above all the story of its languages. Some shared language is what binds any community together, and makes possible both the living of a common history and the telling of it. Yet, the history of the world's great languages has rarely been examined. Empires of the Word is the first to bring together the tales in all their glorious variety: the amazing innovations — in education, culture and diplomacy — devised by speakers in the Middle East; the uncanny resilience of Chinese throughout twenty centuries of invasions; the progress of Sanskrit from north India to Java and Japan; the struggle that gave birth to the languages of modern Europe; and the global spread of English. Besides these epic achievements, language failures are equally fascinating: why did Germany get left behind? Why did Egyptian, which had survived foreign takeovers for three millennia, succumb to Mohammed's Arabic? Why is Dutch unknown in modern Indonesia, given that the Netherlands had ruled the East Indies for as long as the British ruled India? As this book engagingly reveals, the language history of the world shows eloquently the real characters of peoples; it also shows that the language of the future will, like the languages of the past, be full of surprises.
Название: Every Day Is Mothers Day
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2006
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Hilary Mantel's superb story of suburban mayhem and revenge is sharp, merciless and unerringly hilarious. Barricaded inside their house filled with festering rubbish, unhealthy smells and their secrets, the Axon family baffle Isabel Field, the latest in a long line of social workers. Isabel has other problems too: a randy, untrustworthy father and a slackly romantic lover, Colin Sidney, history teacher to unresponsive yobs and father of a parcel of horrible children. With all this to worry about, how can Isabel begin to understand what is going on in the Axon household?
Название: The Heretic's Treasure
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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An ancient fortune has lain hidden for thousands of years, one so powerful that men will kill to protect it. And only one man can unearth it... Ex-SAS operative Ben Hope is living a peaceful life in rural France — until a phone call from an old army comrade turns his world upside down. Eminent Egyptologist Morgan Paxton has been brutally murdered while working on the mysterious 'Akhenaten Project' in Cairo, and Colonel Harry Paxton wants Ben to find his son's killer. Ben is unable to refuse the request from the man who once saved his life — but when Harry asks him to avenge his son's death he's in dangerous territory. Made worse by the fact that he finds himself attracted to Zara Paxton, Harry's new bride. Carving through the seedy Cairo underworld, Ben soon realises that there was more to Paxton's research than meets the eye as he is plunged into one double-cross after another. His mission leads him from Italy and Paris via the coast of Scotland to the banks of the Nile, climaxing in a tense showdown in the war-torn Sudanese desert. At the end of the trail lies the ultimate treasure, hidden away by three rebel High Priests during the reign of the 'Heretic' Pharoah Akhenaten — a collection so valuable that some will stop at nothing to possess it! A super-charged, heart-racing thriller, perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Sam Bourne and Wilbur Smith.
Название: Lovers and Liars
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2008
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A heartrending tale of two young lovers torn violently apart at the beginning of the twentieth century. Jampacked with drama, tragedy and thwarted love, this is Josephine Cox at her inimitable best. In the sleepy Lancashire village of Salmesbury, childhood sweethearts Emily and John are secretly planning a life together when they are cruelly forced apart. Already abandoned by her father, and unhappy at home, Emily is heartbroken when John leaves the village. Her life takes a devastating turn for the worse when she gives birth to a child. She dare not reveal the identity of the child's father or there will be a terrible price to pay. Many miles away, John is trying to forget Emily and forge a new life. Having carried her in his heart for years, a chance encounter leads him to believe she has forgotten him. Emily has never been able to banish thoughts of John. But when it looks as though history is about to repeat itself, Emily must put the past — and John — behind her and safeguard her daughter. But can she forget him?
Название: The Mozart Conspiracy
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2008
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An ancient murder! A clandestine society! A conspiracy that will end in death... Former SAS operative Ben Hope is running for his life. Enlisted by the beautiful Leigh Llewellyn — world famous opera star and Ben's first love — to investigate her brother's mysterious death, Ben finds himself caught up in a centuries-old puzzle. The official line states that Oliver died whilst investigating Mozart's death, but the facts don't add up. Oliver's research reveals that Mozart, a notable freemason, may have been killed by a shadowy and powerful splinter group of the cult. The only clues lie in an ancient letter, believed to have been written by Mozart himself. When Leigh and Ben receive video evidence of a ritual sacrifice being performed by hooded men, they realise that the sect is still in existence today! And will stop at nothing to remain a secret. From the dreaming spires of Oxford to Venice's labyrinthine canals, the majestic architecture of Vienna and Slovenia's snowy mountains, Ben and Leigh must forget the past and race across Europe to uncover the truth behind THE MOZART CONSPIRACY! An electrifying and utterly gripping must read for fans of Dan Brown, Sam Bourne and Ludlum's Bourne series.
Название: Paddington Bear
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2007
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The classic story of a much-loved bear — Paddington! Join Paddington and the Browns as they start their adventures at Paddington Station and relive their treasured story in this stylish picture book. Paddington Bear first met the Brown family at a railway station — Paddington station, in fact. He had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and a label reading 'Please look after this bear'. Without further ado, Mr and Mrs Brown promptly welcomed the adventurous bear into their family, and in honour of their meeting place they named him Paddington. The Browns soon discover that Paddington is a most unusual bear. Ordinary things — like having a bath — become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is around. Now this trasured story is available as a charming picture book that even the youngest children will enjoy.
Название: The Reaper
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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A damaged detective and a brutal serial killer collide in this nail-biting thriller debut. Detective Inspector Damen Brook thinks he's left his past behind him in London. But it seems a serial killer has followed him north... Brook's seeking sanctuary. Years in the MET have left their mark — so much so that he's fled to Derby leaving behind his marriage, his teenage daughter and very nearly his sanity to wind down a once promising career in the peace of the Peak District. But one winter's night, Brook is confronted by a serial killer he hunted many years before — The Reaper — a man who slaughters families in their homes then disappears without a trace. To find this killer Brook must discover what the Reaper is doing in Derby, why he's started killing again and what, if anything, connects the butchered families. As Brook becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, he is forced to face his own demons by revisiting the previous investigation and confronting a past that destroyed his family and nearly cost him his life! A heart-stopping thriller from a stunning new crime talent, for fans of Stuart MacBride and Thomas Harris.
Название: Stephen Fry in America
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2008
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Britain's best-loved comic genius Stephen Fry turns his celebrated wit and insight to unearthing the real America as he travels across the continent in his black taxicab. Stephen's account of his adventures is filled with his unique humour, insight and warmth in this beautifully illustrated book that accompanies his journey for the BBC1 series. 'Stephen Fry is a treasure of the British Empire.' The Guardian Stephen Fry has always loved America, in fact he came very close to being born there. Here, his fascination for the country and its people sees him embarking on an epic journey across America, visiting each of its 50 states to discover how such a huge diversity of people, cultures, languages, beliefs and landscapes combine to create such a remarkable nation. Starting on the eastern seaboard, Stephen zig-zags across the country in his London taxicab, talking to its hospitable citizens, listening to its music, visiting its landmarks, viewing small-town life and America's breath-taking landscapes — following wherever his curiosity leads him. Stephen meets a collection of remarkable individuals — American icons and unsung local heroes alike.Stephen starts his epic journey on the east coast and zig-zags across America, stopping in every state from Maine to Hawaii. En route he discovers the South Side of Chicago with blues legend Buddy Guy, catches up with Morgan Freeman in Mississippi, strides around with Ted Turner on his Montana ranch, marches with Zulus in New Orleans' Mardi Gras, and drums with the Sioux Nation in South Dakota; joins a Georgia family for thanksgiving, 'picks' with Bluegrass hillbillies, and finds himself in a Tennessee garden full of dead bodies. Whether in a club for failed gangsters (yes, those are real bullet holes) or celebrating Halloween in Salem (is there anywhere better?), Stephen is welcomed by the people of America — mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos, bringing to life the oddities and splendours of each locale. A celebration of the magnificent and the eccentric, the beautiful and the strange, Stephen Fry in America is our author's homage to this extraordinary country.
Название: Vacant Possession
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2006
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'Savage and funny black humour at its best' Time Out Muriel Axon is about to re-enter the lives of Colin Sidney, hapless husband, father and schoolmaster, and Isabel Field, failed social worker and practising neurotic. It is ten years since her last tangle with them, but for Muriel this is not time enough. There are still scores to be settled and truths to be faced — not to mention a certain amount of vengeance to be wreaked.
Название: Wonder Boys
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 1996
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The brilliant novel from the author of Pulitzer Prize-winning 'The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay'. Grady Tripp is an over-sexed, pot-bellied, pot-smoking, ageing wunderkind of a novelist now teaching creative writing at a Pittsburgh college while working on his 2,000 page masterpiece, 'Wonder Boys'. When his rumbustious editor and friend, Terry Crabtree, arrives in town, a chaotic weekend follows — involving a tuba, a dead dog, Top page Marilyn Monroe's ermine-lined jacket and a squashed boa constrictor.
Название: A Word In Your Shell-Like
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2006
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Unravel the meaning, origin, and usage of over 6,000 phrases from book and film titles, idioms and cliches, to nicknames, slogans and quotations with this modern and entertaining guide to wonderful phrases by one of the world’s best-known wordsmiths. The ideal replacement or complement to that tatty old copy of Brewer's Phrase and Fable most of us have about the house, A Word in Your Shell-Like is an entertaining look at both familiar and unfamiliar phrases by one of the key world authorities in English language reference. The articles also contain discussion of meaning, origin and usage. Who was originally 'sold down the river'? Have you been told to 'Naff off'? Find out of whom it was said 'he couldn't chew gum and fart at the same time', who the 'catcher in the rye' was, and what it means to be 'caught between wind and water'. Few other word reference books are likely to increase your store of knowledge with such fun.
Название: ABC
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2008
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Collins Easy Learning ABC Age 3-5 develops literacy skills. Its colourful motivating activities make learning fun. Helpful tips and answers are included to help support learning. — hours of fun activities; — builds literacy skills; — boosts confidence; — develops a love of learning Collins Easy Learning ABC Age 3-5 develops early literacy skills to get children ready for preschool; Easy to use — small chunks of information are easy to absorb and clear sign posting shows the way; easy to learn — every activity is highly practical allowing children to learn by doing; easy to remember — engaging and fun activities help children retain information.
Название: Collins Compact Dictionary
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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Eighth edition in colour, and packed with fascinating features on language, Collins Compact Dictionary is the ideal handy reference for people who love language. With extended word histories, surprising folk etymologies, notes on words borrowed from other languages, and a fantastic supplement, this thoughtfully designed dictionary is large enough to include all the words and definitions you need, but small enough to hold in one hand. With a clear colour design and easy-to-use layout, browsing is easier than ever. All in all the perfect book for crossword solvers, word-game enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for English.
Название: Collins Improve Your Grammar
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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An invaluable guide to the world of good grammar which breaks down the barriers that prevent many intelligent people from communicating effectively. Picking up a book on grammar takes courage, but the learner can take heart from the fact that many of the great writers, including Charlotte Bronte, were hopeless at grammar at school. Her teachers complained that she 'knew nothing of grammar', and could read only 'tolerably' and write 'indifferently'. Yet although learning and obeying the rules of grammar won't automatically bestow the grace and excellence of a Bronte on your writing, learning how written language works will certainly improve your communication skills, step by practical step. The guide features: — the thirteen gremlins of grammar, from apostrophes to verbs — the point of sentence construction — the writing of good English — witty cartoons by Hunt Emerson.
Название: Collins Improve Your Punctuation
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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The plain guide to the clear presentation of written language: punctuation is the 'nuts and bolts' of the English language, and here is the ideal everyday companion. Punctuation has been described as 'a courtesy designed to help readers understand a story without stumbling'. Included in this essential guide are: — 'Ten Golden Rules of Punctuation' by a Victorian schoolmistress — how to deal with capitalization, full stops and commas — mastery of colons, parentheses, dashes, hyphens, questions, exclamations and apostrophes — the ultimate punctuation test — witty cartoons by Hunt Emerson.
Название: Collins Improve Your Writing Skills
Жанр: HarperCollins Publishers
Год: 2009
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The essential guide to writing English, this book will help you to develop your written communication skills and to use language to express yourself clearly and correctly. Can you learn how to improve your writing skills? Can the art of good writing be taught? Despite what you might feel, the answer is yes — you can be taught. Everyone is capable of enhancing their powers of written communication simply by learning and practising the basic principles of clear, concise and coherent writing: planning, preparation, and revision. Using this book, your confidence will grow as you begin to appreciate that the English language is not a fearsome book of rules but an unrivalled communications tool that you can learn to use with the familiar ease of a knife and fork. The basic principle of this incredibly useful book is that 'clarity begins at home': say what you mean and you stand a better chance of getting what you want!
